Monday, December 27, 2004

Press Release :: Asha for Education responds to Tsunami Victims

Asha for Education, a global non-profit organization that supports education projects throughout India, has launched an appeal to support relief efforts in response to the widespread devastation caused by tidal waves and floods along the coasts of Southern India.

On the morning of December 26th, a massive earthquake occurred near Sumatra, Indonesia, which caused a series of tsunamis to strike the coasts of India and other South Asian countries. The quake registered 8.9 in magnitude, the worst earthquake in 40 years. The tsunamis destroyed homes, roads, and swept people out to sea. More than 24,000 people are reported dead and up to 2 million people have been left homeless.

Growing estimates indicate that close to 6000 people in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar islands have been killed, and thousands more are homeless and without access to clean water, shelter, food or clothing. There is an immediate need to provide relief to the victims, and to evacuate those in affected areas.

Asha volunteers in India are currently assessing the impact of the disaster on projects in affected states, and are assisting with relief and rehabiliation efforts. In the last 13 years, Asha for Education has supported over 100 projects in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Asha is working with our partners to support rehabilitation work in the weeks and months to come.